E-Paper
Heading abroad? Kerala, Mumbai have new rules for fast Covid-19 vaccination
Kerala will issue vaccine certificates with passport number as this is the format in which certificates are needed, the state government said.
People who have international travels scheduled for work or studies will be given priorities in vaccination against Covid-19 in Mumbai and Kerala, according to the latest decisions taken by the authorities. No foreign country has made vaccination against Covid-19 must for entry and a negative RT-PCR report is an acceptable document for international travel. But as restrictions are easing across the world with the pandemic situation coming under control, countries may make complete vaccination a must for entry. Several countries put an embargo on Indian flights in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic in the country in April.
Student vaccination in Mumbai
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will conduct free walk-in vaccination centres for students who have received the confirmation of admission in universities abroad and require vaccines. The sessions will be held from May 31 to June 2 at three centres — Rajawadi, Cooper and Kasturba.
Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray said he will speak to other municipal corporations across the state to implement the same for such students. Though the number may not be huge, their career should not be put at stake, the minister tweeted.
Documents required
The students need to carry I- 20 or DS- 160 form/ verified confirmation letter of admission to universities concerned, along with personal ID documents.
Fast vaccination in Kerala
The Kerala government will issue Covid-19 vaccine certificated to students and professionals who need to travel abroad. The state government said many countries want passport number mentioned on the vaccination certificate and hence the government will issue such certificates to those who require.
This will be in addition to the certificate available on Co-WIN. The government said district medical officers will be authorised as the competent authority to issue such certificates.
Those who have got the first dose of Covishield and can't wait for 12 to 16 weeks for the second dose, as stipulated according to the lastest directive, will also be administered the second dose after four to six weeks, the government said.
Documents required
Live visa, admission document for students, any document of job confirmation or work permit, as reported by ANI.
What is a vaccine passport?
This is a concept that is being deliberated by countries. Under this, countries may allow the entry of people from other countries, only if they are vaccinated. Countries may also specify the names of the vaccines.
However, the Union health ministry said that there has been no consensus on vaccine passport at the World Health Organization level. So speculations that people vaccinated with Covaxin will not be able to travel abroad as Covaxin has not yet received the nod from WHO are unfounded, it said.
